There’s a warm, golden glow stretching along Coogee Bay Road these days, and locals have already started to take notice. New festoon lighting has been strung between Arden and Brook streets, adding a new ambience to one of Coogee’s busiest streets.
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Installed by Randwick’s local officials ahead of the 4 March launch, the decorative string lights arrived just in time for the debut of Coogee Nights, a new series of open street events, which kicked off on Wednesday 4 March 2026. The next one was on 18 March followed by another event on 1 April.
The festoon lights are intended to draw people out and support local businesses during quieter parts of the week. The installation followed a community consultation process. Randwick sought feedback late last year, with residents noting the lighting would help enhance the night-time experience and improve safety. Both were among the considerations that informed the final installation.
One detail worth noting is the use of directional fittings. The fittings are designed to direct light onto the road, reducing glare for nearby residents. It’s the kind of considered detail that doesn’t make headlines but matters a great deal to the people who live closest to it.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the project was about more than just aesthetics.
“Festoon lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere, and helps to encourage night-time activity and boost local business, particularly on quieter weeknights,” Mayor Parker said.
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The lighting has been installed on a six-month trial basis, after which Randwick will seek feedback from community members to review the lighting. The staged approach gives both residents and businesses the opportunity to weigh in before any permanent decisions are made.
Published 12-April-2026
